For Educators

South Dakota Partners in Education exists to empower and enrich education across the state of South Dakota. We partner with families, schools, tax-credit contributors, and the State of South Dakota to provide families with more educational options.

The information, forms, and procedures on this page apply to SDPE’s existing South Dakota state scholarship program. For information about the separate federal program beginning in 2027, visit our Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program page.

Private schools that are eligible to partner with SDPE must:

• • Operate within the boundaries of South Dakota
  • Are accredited by the South Dakota Department of Education
  • And provide education to elementary or secondary students

Any schools wishing to participate in the program must file the annual School Participation Agreement with SDPE and comply with the program requirements. If your school qualifies and is not yet participating in our program, let us know! Schools that receive a majority of their revenue from public funds are not eligible to participate.

Under South Dakota law, a school participating in the state scholarship program may enter into a participation agreement with only one Scholarship Granting Organization each school year. This requirement applies only to the South Dakota state scholarship program. It does not prohibit participation with other Scholarship Granting Organizations in the separate federal program.

Download the SDPE School Handbook for important information on eligibility, program requirements, and participation guidelines.